He said Reagan taught him to play within himself, not try to do something that he wasn’t capable of. As he prepares for his first varsity start, Deig said he’s trying to stay cool.

But that isn’t always easy.

“Anytime you play quarterback for Reitz High School it’s a big deal,” said Reitz coach Andy Hape.

Deig is well aware of Reitz’s tradition, noting the Panthers are ranked No. 20 among the most dominant Indiana prep football teams in the MaxPreps era (since 2004).

“Our 8-4 record is unacceptable in our system,” he said. “We’re ranked among the top programs. We’ve got to live up to that.”

He said the pressure of expectations makes them work harder.

“We won’t be complacent,” said Deig, who considers himself a versatile player who can pass and run the option.

Hape said Deig has done everything he’s asked.

“He had a great sophomore year (quarterbacking the junior varsity),” Hape said. “I think what makes Evan a special player is not just that he’s book smart — he’s a 4.0 student — he understands coverages and what we’re trying to do with the game plan. He’s matured in a short amount of time.”

Deig completed eight of 13 passes for 85 yards in a limited amount of varsity action last season.

Not afraid to voice his displeasure, Hape implored his players to work harder during Monday’s practice at the Bowl, basically saying if you don’t step it up, you’re not going to cross the bridge and win on Friday.

“We just need our leaders to step up,” Deig said. “Our senior leaders should be leading and playing hard.”

Malik Higgins, one of those senior leaders, already has been offered a scholarship by Ball State University.

“He’s a playmaker,” Hape said. “I’m not saying he can do things right all the time, but great teams usually have great players. Malik has the potential to be of one of best players in a long time to come out of Reitz High School. It’s up to him to prove that.”

There has been plenty of preseason speculation whether Higgins will line up more often as a conventional halfback, to ensure he gets 20 carries a game. He played slotback last season. Hape sees Higgins playing virtually everywhere, maybe even quarterback.

Hape said he has great senior leaders, but will continue to push them. After all, how many other schools have more than a handful of fans sitting in the stands watching a preseason practice?

“This is a long season and you can’t be complacent,” Hape said. “We’ve got a great senior class of 22 kids.”

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